The Roeterseiland complex is part of the University of Amsterdam and will be dedicated to the ‘gamma’ studies, and will house the CREA (Cultural Students’ Center).
The design dealt with a mixed program of ‘temporary living’ and ‘conference/lecture hub’ having relation with a gradation of public and semi-public spaces.

CONCEPT

At the urban level, the relationships between campus and city is very important. The enclosed area of the Roeterseiland should make room for an ‘open’ (to the city) campus, an urban place that is able to foster relationships among the students/employees of the three different gamma faculties.
The most important changes are the removal of barriers from the main roads, add shops and restaurants and move the main entrances to the “Nieuwe Achtergracht”, the central canal on the campus. By making the quays public the logical urban structure is repaired, making the Roeterseiland not only the domain of the students but to all citizens.
At the building level, the relation between users is very important. The ‘conference hub’ has an gradation from public to private spaces, where ground level is very public with a lunch room, a coffee bar and lecture rooms and the third floor has a study area for students. This gradation is also found in de façade, the courtyard is public and that is where all routing is located inside the building. The backside of the building, that overlooks the dwellings, is more closed.